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    wireless b adapter with wireless N

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by mase127, Jan 3, 2009.

  1. mase127

    mase127 Notebook Enthusiast

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    hey, i just got a new wireless n router, and was wondering if my old wireless b adapter will work with it?
     
    mase127, Jan 3, 2009
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  2. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    What does it say on the box, or in the manual, or at the manufacturer's website?
     
    kegobeer, Jan 3, 2009
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  3. CyberVisions

    CyberVisions Martian Notebook Overlord

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    Yes it will, but you'll only be able to get data rates at your B adapter speed. If want the full benefit of Wireless N, you need to get an N adapter to replace your B adapter. There's a pretty large data speed difference between the 2, so you're really wasting the potential of your new router without a matching N adapter.

    On your Router admin panel, also make sure that you set your Mode setting to Mixed and not a specific wireless band (B,N, etc.) or you'll likely wind up with a weaker broadcast signal. You should only have yuor mode set to a specific mode matching a standard when all devices on your network are of the same wireless standard type.

    Also, offset your frequency channel from the base frequency of 2.4ghz - use channel 11 or another one, so you're at an offset 2.4ghz frequency. If you don't, you run a higher chance of interference from other devices of the same frequency like cordless phones, microwaves, etc.

    It's always good as well to set a specific SSID name and enable it. Pick any unique name you'll recognize so that when you scan for it you'll be able to recognize your network, and not connect to a neighbor's who may not have changed the default SSID on his router - which might be the same as yours if you don't use a unique SSID. Many people don't think about other people in their neighborhood owning the same brand router and broadcasting a default SSID since no one bothers to change it. You're then left banging your head against a wall because you can't figure out why your signal sucks or your connection keeps dropping.

    If you want a good network setup/monitoring program, Cisco recently released a program similar to the setup/monitor program they send out with new Linksys routers. It's called Network Magic - you can download a trial for it as well. The link is at: http://tinyurl.com/59zydf
     
    CyberVisions, Jan 3, 2009
    #3